SOLAR FARM HAS ITS TIME IN THE SUN

• Sunshine Coast Council wins one of 10 categories of the 2018 National Awards for Local Government
• The council is Australia’s first local government to offset its entire electricity consumption from renewable energy that it generates itself
• Overall National Award for Excellence winner to be announced on 19 June 2018

The Sunshine Coast Solar Farm has won the Sunshine Coast Council the Boosting Productivity through Infrastructure category in the 2018 National Awards for Local Government.

Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien congratulated the Sunshine Coast Council for its success saying the Sunshine Coast Solar Farm project was a standout project amongst many high quality entries at this year’s awards.

“The Productivity through Infrastructure category, recognises forward thinking local governments who are actively investing in modern infrastructure and maximising opportunities for the future wellbeing of their community,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Sunshine Coast Council is the first local government to offset its entire electricity consumption from renewable energy that it generates itself, which is an outstanding result.

“This is a wonderful initiative which will provide cleaner, greener and cheaper energy for businesses and communities, and save them money along the way.”

Mr O’Brien said it was great to see the Sunshine Coast Council combating rising electricity costs for business and communities, helping the Sunshine Coast transition to a clean energy economy.

“The Sunshine Coast Solar Farm provides a renewable source of electricity to council sites at a lower whole of life cost than traditional retail electricity supply arrangements,” he said.

“The 15MW Sunshine Coast Solar Farm is the largest in South East Queensland and is accredited under the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target.

“The council’s project partners include Downer Utilities Australia, contracted to design, construct and operate the solar farm; Energex, distribution network service provider that built the 33 kV switchyard connecting the solar farm to the electricity grid; and Diamond Energy, the electricity retailer that buys and sells electricity for Council in the National Electricity Market.

“In addition, the development of a clean technology industry hub on the Sunshine Coast will bring more renewable energy infrastructure into the region.”

Sunshine Coast Shire Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said Sunshine Cost Solar Farm builds on Sunshine Coast Council’s vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region, and is a great step forward for Queensland and the nation.

In welcoming the Award, Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the Council’s Solar Farm reinforces the vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region, and shows how local governments are leading the way when it comes to renewables and innovation in infrastructure investment.

“While we certainly encountered a number of hurdles along the way, in the end Council got on and delivered the Solar Farm project, which is testament to the importance of ensuring you always deliver what you commit to doing”, Mayor Jamieson said.

“Of all of the major infrastructure projects being advanced in the region, the Solar Farm is one that has been truly embraced by our community as they appreciate it embodies both our vision and values”. Cr Jamieson said.

As one of the 10 category winners in the 2018 National Awards for Local Government, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council is now in line to be selected as the winner of the 2018 National Award for Excellence in Local Government.

The winner of the national award for excellence will be announced at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly Dinner in Canberra on Tuesday, 19 June 2018.

The Awards are sponsored by LG Professionals Australia, Woodside Energy Ltd. and the Australian Government departments of Social Services; Communications and the Arts; and, Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.